By air : The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 69 kilometers. Among the peaks of Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam ranks as a medium peak. Ensure that you start early since it would take about 2 hours to cover the 50km winding roads. Agasthyakoodam-Trivandrum ( A Trekkers Paradise) Some Facts about Agasthyakoodam: Agasthyarkoodam , the tallest peak in the south at 1868 meters, is famous for its abundant ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants. Reach the peak and after spending about an hour here, start the descent latest by 11:30 am towards the base camp. If you have fear of heights, climbing this would be tough. You can reach Athirumala anywhere between 2pm to 6pm depending on how fast you trek, whether you take a bath along the way etc. Taking a wrong turn here in the dark can lead to things ending up horribly bad, horribly fast. The trail is relatively flat here as you make your way into thickerand thicker vegetation. The hill station is located 62 km north-east of Trivandrum City. You cannot trek barefoot unless you are used to it. The rivers Neyyar, Thamarabharani and Karamanayar originate from here. And finally. It would be dark by the time you return to Bonacaud. Despite this, the temperature here is much cooler and adding to that the strong winds will send a shiver down your spine every time. It is accessible only by foot and it would take around 24 kms from Bonacaud and around 32 kms from Neyyar dam to trek to this peak. After you cross Vithura town look for directions to Bonacaud. Make it a point to pack light and pack smart. Since 2014, the Kerala Tourism Board has started issuing passes online, and like the ones available offline at Bonacaud, they're sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. The trek to the peak is 20 km long from Bonacaud and requires two days. The forest department allows a controlled pilgrimage/trek during these months. You will find the idol Agsthyamuni surrounded by short trees which protects it. There are steel ropes and plastic ropes here for support. The trek becomes difficult from this point. People generally love trekking all the way to Agasthyakoodam by taking two routesâone passes through Kottoor near Neyyar Dam and another route goes through Bonacaud. Note that this is bear territory, so always walk in a group. for you. You should be on the top by around 10AM and need return by 11AM. The department’s guidelines state that only women above the age of 14 should apply. Even if you are going alone, ensure that you are near another trek team. The final trick is since you are already a registered member, even if the online booking starts at 11am you can login to your account 15 or 20 minutes prior and select the Agasthyakoodam trek. Once here, check yourselves in by presenting your entry pass, affidavit and the original photo ID proof of every team member used while booking your permits. Agasthya Mountain is also referred as Agasthyakoodam and is located about 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, capital city of Kerala State in India. official website of Kerala forest department, Kerala Forest Department Official Website, ❑ A lightweight hat for sun protection, ❑ One blanket and one lightweight bed sheet, ❑ ID proof that you used for booking your entry pass, ❑ Spare set of footwear (rubber slippers). Found insideThe primary epic of Tamil literature. The official trek begins from a village called Bonacaud, located at a distance of about 60km from Thiruvananthapuram city (Trivandrum), which is the closest place to have hotel and night-stay options. It is also home to over 230 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and about 40 species of fish. It is located at a height of 1,640 ft above the sea level. You will cross the second river here known as Vazapaithiyar. Located within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram and surrounded by forests which are believed to be amongst the richest clusters of biodiversity in the Western Ghats, the Agasthyakoodam Peak holds great importance for Keralites. Har Ki Dun Trek â Uttarakhand. The peak is a 90 minute drive with Bonacaud being the last motorable spot. Trekking is restricted as only a few people are allowed to go up the peak. One must get a forest pass from the wildlife office in Thiruvananthapuram with January to April being the recommended months. Ways to reach. In a "parallel" universe, I'd still be out riding. for you. Agasthyakoodam (Agasthyarkoodam), the second highest point of the Western Ghats is a must visit place for a traveler who seeks adventure, and nature at its most pure form. How to get there. It usually takes between two to three days to complete the trek depending on your stamina. The beauty of the Agasthyakoodam trek lies in its rapidly changing terrain—you will pass through deciduous as well as evergreen forests, grasslands and finally rock formations, as you reach the peak. Leave towards peak by 6:30am. This is very important since animals such as bear may attack when you walk alone. Once you book the ticket and pay the money you get an option to print the entry pass. Even then you need to walk fast to cover the return distance before nightfall. As per a High Court ruling, no kind of Pooja/worship is allowed at the peak from 2019. However, there is another theory as well. Climb up to your left for about 100m for excellent views of the mountains on the left. The link for booking trek tickets will be available on the official website of Kerala forest department on the opening day of booking. The peak is the second highest peak in Kerala, after Anaimudi. For a two day itinerary, today will be quite hectic with you having to start the trek to the peak as early as 6 to 6:30 am (depending on when the packed breakfast is ready) for which you will have to have an early rise around 5 am. A trekkerâs paradise it is the part of the Wayanad hills in the Western Ghats. Please note that alcohol is strictly banned and the forest staff will check your luggage for it when you report for the trek. As you spend time here, you realize that you should have attempted this trek much earlier! Neelakurinji which is a flower that blooms once in twelve years is found in this peak. Named after the ancient sage Agasthya, one of the seven maharishis (Saptarishis) in the Hindu Puranas who is believed to have meditated on its peak, Agasthyakoodam or Agasthyarkoodam (also known as Agasthyamala in Malayalam and Pothigai Malai in Tamil) belongs to the Ashambu Hills in the southern end of the Western Ghats. This peak is part of the Western Ghats and towers to a height of 1868 meters above sea level. 7. It was an Adventure trip ⦠Agasthyarkoodam trekking Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthyakoodam) is the second highest peak in Kerala and one of the best trekking places in Kerala. Found insideIn his delightful The Valley of Flowers, mountaineer Frank Smythe takes you on a botanical expedition to the Garhwal Himalaya. #1. The peak is a 90 minute drive with Bonacaud being the last motorable spot. The initial stretch from the forest check post is for 4 kms through thick deciduous and semi-evergreen forests up until the Karamana river along with a forest camp beside it. At the end of the trail at the high top, there is a full-size statue of Agasthya on the peak. Just like in the case of Sabarimala Temple, once again it was the court that upheld gender equality and allowed women to undertake the trek to the 1,868-metre peak, inside the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This initial stretch is through dense evergreen forests and you will be crossing a number of water streams. At Trek Bikes we're driven by adventure, guided by our history, inspired by community, enchanted by the freedom of the open road and committed, always, to creating the world's greatest bicycles. Here you will also find a small shop selling some basic snacks and a canteen. Agastyarkoodam, also known as Agasthyakoodam or Agastya Mala, is a forested peak located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram, in the Western Ghats of South India. Found insideEdited by the Bombay Natural History Society, this book is the result of five years' exhaustive work by the BNHS. Trekking: The entire trekking is 18.5km to the top of Agastya Mala from Bonacad. Bonacaud is the starting point for official Agasthyakoodam trek. This was the first time the trek was opened after the landmark judgement by the Kerala High Court on November 30, 2018 removing the ban on women from trekking the peak. ❑ (G) Camera and spare battery. Some of the tribals work with eco-development committees organized by forest department. Since only a limited number of passes are issued each day, you can expect almost the entire group (60-80) people starting and finishing the trek together. It is about 50 km south-east from Nedumangad. Apart from this, there is another canteen at the Athirumala base camp where you will be staying for the night. The temperature drops as you climb and and you will cross thick evergreen forests along this route. Agasthyakoodam is a peak that is located close to Neyyar Dam. On the eastern side Agasthyakoodam is protected by Mundanthurai tiger reserve (Tamilnadu). Night stay here is safe since it is protected by trenches around it. Ensure that you return before 2pm from Athirumala to Bonacaud. Women and children are not allowed on the trek. The ropes provided here help you to an extent to make this part of the climb although those with a fear of heights will find this quite nerve-racking. This is an interesting stretch with dark open spaces with a number of large rocks. Usually there is a decent water stream here. This program aims to create biosphere reserves to protect biological and cultural diversity of a region while promoting sustainable economic development. You will also be greeted with majestic views of the Agasthyakoodam peak that until now lay hidden above the shroud of forest cover, along with mesmerising views of the valley down below. You then take a quick trek covering 5KM to the top. Fill in all details of all group members and hit the submit button ⦠Always look for yellow arrows marked on the rocks and it can be huge help in keeping you along the trek trail. This is the first forest crossing. Bonacaud forest office. Alternatively you can also trek to Agasthyakoodam during the offseason, but you need to pay more (Rs.4000+ for a team of 5). The areas in Kerala under ABR include Neyyar wildlife sanctuary, Peppara wildlife sanctuary, Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Achencoil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur and Agasthyavanam biological park. Attempt Agasthyakkoodam trek only if you are physically fit. Type of identity proof (Aadhar, Driving License, Election Card etc.). Soon the group will get split into multiple small groups since everyone walks at a different pace. On the day of your trek, you need to report to Bonacaud forest station at 7AM with the entry pass/affidavit and the ID proof originals of all members of the trekking team. The following table summarizes the Bonacaud to Athirumala trek trail along with the distance walked, altitude and the time taken from the starting point at Bonacaud. The below itinerary however will be covering both the scenarios. Finally you will come across rocks which are nearly vertical. If you are looking to test the limits of your physical endurance and trekking is your main interest, I suggest you complete it in 2 days. As you reach the top, the first thing you notice is the ferocious winds at this height and if you are not careful, you might fall. Do not make loud noises. If you are looking to test the limits of your physical endurance or if you’re on a tight schedule you can choose to complete it in two days. Peppara wildlife sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram is a popular attraction and draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts. This trek covers a distance of 28 km and 2 days. The hill gets its name from sage Agasthya muni and is known as Kailash of South. A toilet complex is also present at the starting point of the trek towards the right side of the forest office. Have your breakfast and collect your packed lunch for the trek. However, it is here that the forest cover truly opens up and you’re given a teaser of what is in store for you at the peak. You will also suddenly notice another majestic mountain range which seems to have magically appeared from nowhere! This forest reserve has to be reached by boarding a bus or by hiring a cab to the village of Bonacaud. Oh, I had completely forgotten about the whole thing and had a most productive day ahead with numerous calls and emails and finally packed up and reached the Cochin KSRTC bus stand by midnight. Anamudi Peak in Munnar: Unlock Best Deal on Kerala Tour Package Now The forests around this peak are famous for its abundance of rare medicinal herbs and plants leading many to believe that even the wind here has medicinal properties leaving you feeling refreshed and recharged during the trek and even protect and cure you of diseases. This place is popularly known as “Pongalappara” (Pongala Rock). Found insideThe uniqueness of ayurveda brings the person to a new sphere of rejuvenation. The system is the consequence of vigorous contemplation and researches of great scholars. And, we are equipped for you with a prelude of God’s own country. Machaa.. Keep rocking.. Get updates via email about new posts, travel guides and more! Have your breakfasts here and fill up your waterbottles as there are not many water sources further ahead. Please be aware that elephants frequently cross this path. Learn more about getting permits to the Agasthyakoodam trek here. At the mountain peak, it may rain even during peak summer. Make sure you have a flashlight, hat, snacks and water, a change of clothing, one lightweight blanket, your ID proof and entry pass, trekking shoes, and a rain-proof backpack. Speaking of pilgrimage, apart from being renowned to be the father of ‘Siddha’; a form of Ayurveda prevalent in South India, Sage Agasthya is also considered to be the father of Tamil literature. A shrine dedicated to him is located here and is frequented by devotees. Keep your luggage light and carry just your water bottles, snacks and a cap for sun protection apart from your packed breakfast which needs to be collected from the canteen along with your lunch coupon. Agasthyakoodam (near Trivandrum) January to Mid-March is when Agasthyakoodam opens for trekking. Located at an elevation of 1868 mts, the Agasthyakoodam trek is one of the most challenging non-Himalayan treks in India requiring close to 50 kms of trekking over a gradual but continuous ascend over a course 2 to 3 days with several parts of the trail being physically demanding even for the more ardent trekkers. I strongly suggest you to avoid this section if you like surprises during your trek. Now you will thank me for advising you to get a good hat! Once the checking-in formalities are completed, the Forest Beat Officer (BFO) in charge will be giving the entire batch a thorough briefing regarding the importance of the Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve, the dangers involved and the precautions to be taken along with your responsibilities to keep the trail and the forest areas litter free. One will come across prominent signs of wildlife activity with broken bamboo shoots and elephant dung all along this trail. Leave behind the rest of your luggage at the campsite. You can either drive from Trivandrum or take the bus, which is the more feasible option given the condition of the roads. If you are taking your car or bike, you can open the gate and then head towards the forest office. Agasthyakoodam forests are also widely known for their rich wildlife and sprawling grasslands. This place is called Lathimotta. To know all about getting permits for the Agasthyakoodam Trek, read my detailed post on the same here. The following table summarizes the Athirumala to Agasthyakoodam Peak trek trail along with the distance and the average time taken from the starting point at Athirumala. The pilgrimage involves a trek of 56km (28km one side) from Bonacaud/Bonaccord making it ⦠Always be alert and be on the lookout for animals during the trek and never play loud music or create loud noises as you will not only cause disturbance to the wildlife around you but also to the other trekkers. This gives you plenty of time to experience the forest, the mountain peak and the water streams along the way. In some places you might need to crawl up. Agasthyakoodam peak and surrounding areas are protected and maintained by the state forest department of Kerala. âYes, from today, online registration to trek ⦠This book describes how different approaches are being taken in policy and practical terms in different countries to face these common challenges. how this woman conquered the highest peak in Antarctica. The Agasthyakoodam Trek is the perfect trek for anyone looking to test the limits of their physical endurance. It is this place which is the first planned ecotourism project of our country. My biggest fear is an elephant standing in the disguise of a rock! One or two forest guards (from local tribal population) will accompany you along. During this stretch you will be crossing over to the eastern side of Agasthyakoodam. Ponmudi (Malayalam: à´ªàµà´¨àµà´®àµà´à´¿) (The Golden Peak) is a hill station located in the Trivandrum district of Kerala. Trekking passes are issued by Kerala Forest Department from the district office at Trivandrum. Autobiography of Vinod Mehta, born 1941, Indian editor and journalist. At around 2.5 kms, the trail opens out into a large rocky area with a single stream cutting across the middle and the Agasthyakoodam peak now standing intimidatingly on your right. If you’ve learnt anything from the previous night, you would load up on the lentils they serve here to offer some healthy competition. Agasthyarkoodam Trek Overview. The Agasthyakoodam Peak in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram District will for the first time see women trekkers at one of the tallest peaks in the state. Kerala Forest Department. Agasthyakoodam is located about 60 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. Soon after the trek begins the batch splits into several groups as each group will have its own pace. You can also see Athirumala base camp from here. The air you breathe in the mountain is also therapeutic, curing diseases and ailments. The booking process involved 2 stages. 6 Splendid Waterfalls In Gangtok To Add To Your Itinerary Right Away 1. There is a forest rest house near the falls.The upper slopes of the Neyyar reservoir house these two very beautiful waterfalls. Around 4,100 visitors would be given entry during the 41-day annual season of the trek this year. To know about how you can do just that, read my detailed post on the same, Buses are available from the Bonacaud Post Office back to Thiruvananthapuram at. From here you get the entire view of Mundanthurai tiger reserve. YOu are required to report here at 7 am. Kani settlements are located near the basins of streams of Karamanayar and Neyyar away from the core area of Agasthyakoodam. #Road. The banks of the Attayar River also makes for a great place to have a well-deserved lunch. In case you had registered as a solo trekker like myself, it’s a good idea to tag along with one of the groups before the start of the trek for safety and entertainment purposes. June 26, 2011 by tamilrasigan. ❑ (G) A small set of medicines including paracetamol, bandages etc. i.e. Thus during Dec it is a package tour for trek from forest office. Show your entry pass at the canteen and they will issue sleeping mats (on twin sharing basis!) Now you are in the thick forest and the early sunlight sweeping in through the canopy gives a magical experience. There are metal and plastic ropes available for the final climb. This peak is a part of the Western Ghats and has a height of 1868 meters above sea level. You will be passing through small forest patches spread across the grasslands and it offers a refuge from the merciless afternoon sun. Kodachadri Trek Distance: 14 kms approx (via Hidlumane Falls) Trail Type: Dense Tropical Rainforests, waterfalls, meadows and cliffs. Har ki dun is one of the underrated but most beautiful treks in the Himalayan region in India. Currently there are about 400 Kani families living around these areas. There is a small shrine on the mountain top with an idol of Agasthya rishi and during Agasthyakoodam trekking season, people perform pujas here. Before your return from Athirumala, do not forget to return your sleeping mats and collect your entry pass from the forest officials. Get your dinner coupons during tea time, breakfast coupons during dinner and so on as they prepare food here on a limited basis owing to the lack of supplies and failing to book in advance might just end you up with an empty stomach. - Get something to eat at the basecamp and head to Bonacaud by 8 am, - Reach Bonacaud by 1 pm and take the next bus back to Thiruvananthapuram, View of the peak from Athirumala base camp (photo by Ajay Kuyiloor). It takes approximately two days. Top 11 Attractions Of Darjeeling You Must Visit Here are the top places to visit in Darjeeling. Devotees perform a form of worship known as “Pongala”. During non-season, a trek to the Agastya mala reveals nature at its best. This is very important for the last stretch of the trek since water is rare on the top. This is important since without prior booking/coupons you may not get any food from the canteen! Since you will be most probably going as part of a team, there are things that only one member of the team needs to carry for the entire group. So, the trekking pass will only be given to the limited number of people who had booked already in online. Oh, I had completely forgotten about the whole thing and had a most productive day ahead with numerous calls and emails and finally packed up ⦠The sanctuary spreads in an area of 53 square kilometer on Western Ghats. For example, if the trek program starts on 15th January, the ticket booking will usually open on 12th January and the details of the dates would be published somewhere around 10th January in all major newspapers. Besides, the simple of joy of taking a bath in a natural stream can be compared to none. If you plan to take a waterfall bath along the way, you should return by 1:30pm. The most difficult trek in Kerala, taking you to the top of Agasthyakoodam through forests and valleys and waterfalls. Once you’re cleared, you begin your trek towards the base camp at Athirumala, located around 15 kms away. - Explore and take in the view. We have also spotted bear droppings along the route between Athirumala and Agasthyakoodam peak. Located at a distance of 17kms from Kalpetta it is the third highest peak in South India situated at an elevation of 2100mts above the sea level. Though the climb is steep and arduous, this trail is ideal for even a first time trekker. This is very important since you will be trekking through tough terrain for 50km in 2/3 days. Only 100 entry passes are issued every day and they are given on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will start around 8am from the Bonacaud forest office after the formalities and then head towards Athirumala. (Rs4k for 5 people). Till 2013, booking for Agasthyarkoodam pilgrimage trek was a tedious process. Get your passes verified and collect food coupons from the forest office, - Begin trek to the base camp at Athirumala by 8 am, - Rest, get lunch at the base camp with your food coupons. Pristine, breathtaking and full of life, this trek has something for everyone. Dhoni Hills is one of the popular spots for trekking in Kerala for locals and tourists alike. ⦠From here the trek becomes slightly more challenging due to the rapid ascend into open grasslands for the next 4 kms intermittent with small patches of forest areas offering a welcome respite from the merciless sun. The next stretch is for about 5 kms from here up until the Attayar River through semi-evergreen forests. This article is a comprehensive guide to Agasthyakoodam trek including trekking tips, online booking information and what you can expect on the trek. Before you settle down, submit your entry pass to the forest officer here to get your sleeping mats (on twin sharing basis). There are plenty of other interesting legends about Agasthyamuni. Agasthyakoodam Trek is a detailed travelogue based on my trekking experience to Agasthyakoodam. Avoid the shoes getting wet. Agasthyakoodam is famous for itâs rare medicinal plans and herbs. Since you carry only one bottle of water, keep it filled whenever you get a chance. You can also access the entry pass later by logging into Kerala eService Delivery Portal and then selecting View Status Application => Track Application Status option from the left menu of the homepage. The trek ⦠This place is treacherous during rainy season and as you reach towards the top, this climb becomes progressively difficult. You need to cross over the stream and climb up on the other side. This is indicated separately (G) in the following checklist. A small shrine of Agasthyamuni and forest guard tent (second camp since Bonacaud picket station) are located here. Since the trek takes 2 to 3 days, carry spare batteries. Similarly when you have your breakfast book your lunch. This canteen opens at 6am and closes at 8:30pm. There are a number of forest camps along the trekking trail and are located near water streams. Forest department will issue the entry pass later that day or the next day. Trekking is one of the main activities carried out here by the tourists. First glass bridge built in Rajgir, Bihar, which will feel like walking on clouds: see picture on May 14, 2021 Blogger IFTTT. The trekking fee must be paid online, but only a limited number of banks are enabled for online money transfer. It hides one of the richest concentrations of biodiversity in the entire Western Ghats. This is yet another March and this year also it seems I am not in a position to complain about a bad hike. This caused the earth to tilt to one side and Lord Shiva asked Agasthya to go to south and balance the earth again. ... Trekking the hill is an amazing experience as the air is filled with the smell of the medicinal herbs growing there and gives a refreshing feel after the trek. Following is the checklist I use whenever I go on the Agasthyakoodam trek (or for that matter any overnight trek). There is also a small shrine of mountain god (Maladevan) under a huge tree. Found insideFrom the classical to the contemporary, this is a comprehensive, systematic and accessible encyclopedia of the phenomenon known as 'Hinduism'. [Halt: 5 minutes]. Sailing is one of the most popular watersports in Goa. If you prefer to complete the trek in a more relaxed and slower pace or if you want to explore the flora and fauna of Agasthyakoodam, I highly recommend you take your time and complete it over three days as I did. The mountain is said to be a storehouse of medicinal plants needed in Ayurveda. The forest officer in charge will greet you and will ask for your entry pass. Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks in Kerala. All the more reasons to take a bath! Yet ultimately it is on each one of us to make sure we leave these ancient forests as they are and to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing back but memories. Make sure to get your food coupons well in advance as chances are you might not get any food from the canteen here if you fail to do so, especially in the case of a shortage. If you are going from Trivandrum, you need drive through the Ponmudi road via Nedumangad and then after about 1km from Vithura town, you need to take a right turn. Alteast collecting and taking back a handful of litter will make a difference if each one of us does the same. Take the right turn towards Agasthyakoodam. Up to 15 people can be booked on a single ticket and you need to pay Rs.500 per person. If you’re lucky (or unlucky) you might even spot an elephant or two here. However make it a point to start the descend latest by 1 pm as you need to reach the Athirumala Base camp well before dark as the trail is highly susceptible to wildlife encounters, especially that of elephants, towards dusk. ixigo is a travel search & planning app that aggregates quality travel information, trustworthy traveller reviews and compares lowest prices to help you plan perfect trips! During rainy season, it is almost impossible to climb above this section. This is first near vertical climb over the rocks. This book presents the earliest South Indian inscriptions (ca. second century B.C. to sixth century A.D.), written in Tamil in local derivations of the Ashokan Brahmi script. First glass bridge built in Rajgir, Bihar, which will feel like walking on clouds: see picture on April 29, 2021 Blogger IFTTT. According to the forest department, women were not allowed to trek up the peak because it was considered too difficult for them. Seven Sister Waterfalls Seven Sister Waterfalls Image Source A sight to behold, Seven Sisters Waterfalls cascade down in an array on a rugged piece of hill. The peak is the second highest peak in Kerala, South India. Once here take a right through the broken down road going beside the abandoned tea factory for 2 kms to reach the Forest Check Post from where the trek begins. KODACHADRI TREK AT A GLANCE. [Halt: 30 minutes]. The initial part of the trek is through a think jungle with cool morning breeze flowing through it. It is a perfect spot to have your breakfast and wait for the first sunrays to appear behind the peak. To know all about getting permits to Agasthyakoodam Trek, read my post on the same. They are also often covered with lichens, mosses and ferns. If you are trying to complete the trek in 2 days, a torch per participant is an absolute must.
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